Head Lifeguard (Seasonal Position)

This seasonal position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Under the supervision of the Senior Director of Aquatics, the Head Lifeguard (seasonal) will be responsible for ensuring the safety of all aquatic participants in and around the pool area and maintaining a safe pool environment in accordance with YMCA policies and procedures.

YMCA Mission and Core Values:

The mission of the YMCA is to put Christian principles into practice through programs, services, and relationships that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Core Values of the YMCA are Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility. At the Bloomington-Normal YMCA we are a team of employees dedicated to advancing the mission and values of the YMCA through service and support of all members in our unique community.

Our Culture:

Our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

YMCA Required Competencies:

Mission Advancement: Accepts and demonstrates the Ys values. Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs. Recruits volunteers and builds effective, supportive working relationships with them. Supports fundraising.

Collaboration: Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions. Builds rapport and relates well to others. Seeks first to understand the other person’s point of view, and remains calm in challenging situations. Listens for understanding and meaning; speaks and writes effectively. Takes initiative to assist in developing others.

Relationships: Builds authentic relationships in the service of enhancing individual and team performance to support the Y’s work.

Communication: Listens and expresses self effectively and in a manner that reflects a true understanding of the needs of the audience.

• Practice preventative lifeguarding, maintaining constant surveillance of the pool area.
• Ensures quality programing and experiences to members and participants, provides member and participant feedback to the Senior Director of Aquatics.
• Enforces pool rules and policies in accordance with the Aquatics Safety Plan.
• Oversees and assists in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of locker rooms.
• Supports and follows YMCA policies and answers member questions about the YMCA and its programs.
• Checks rescue equipment and first aid supplies in accordance with the Aquatics Safety Plan and reports any concerns to the Senior Director of Aquatics.
• Serve as a primary responder in the event of injury, accident, or illness and follows safety protocols in response to emergencies.
• Reports any incidents or injuries in accordance with the Aquatic Safety Plan and/or Facility Emergency Plan.
• Follows and ensures proper rotation protocol.
• Exhibits professionalism in interactions with members, participants, and YMCA employees.
• Preparing for and teaching learn to swim programming.
• Continual evaluation of participant progress and keeping accurate records of skill level in accordance with program.
• All other duties as assigned based on departmental needs.

Supervision & Leadership:

• Serve as the lead point of contact for lifeguards during shifts, providing guidance and support.
• Ensure lifeguards practice preventative lifeguarding by maintaining constant surveillance of the pool area.
• Ensure all staff are actively scanning and maintaining a vigilant 10/20 or 30-second response time.
• Conduct on-the-spot coaching and performance evaluations.
• Address staff concerns and escalate issues to management as needed.
• Act as the primary contact for lifeguard rotations, breaks, and shift changes.
• Ensure quality programming and experiences for members and participants, providing feedback to the Senior Director of Aquatics.

Safety & Emergency Response:

• Maintain a strong presence on deck to ensure all safety protocols are followed.
• Enforce pool rules and policies in accordance with the Aquatics Safety Plan.
• Conduct and document audits, ensuring guards remain rescue-ready.
• Serve as a primary responder in the event of injury, accident, or illness and follow all safety protocols.
• Report any incidents or injuries in accordance with the Aquatic Safety Plan and Facility Emergency Plan.
• Follow and ensure proper lifeguard rotation protocols.
• Check rescue equipment and first aid supplies in accordance with the Aquatics Safety Plan and report any concerns to the Director of Aquatics.

Facility Maintenance & Cleanliness:

• Oversee and assist in maintaining the cleanliness and safety of locker rooms and pool areas.
• Monitor and maintain pool chemicals and safety equipment, reporting issues promptly.
• Support and follow YMCA policies, answering member questions about YMCA programs and procedures.

Training & Development:

• Lead and participate in in-service training sessions.
• Mentor and support new lifeguards to ensure proper skill development.
• Work with the Senior Aquatic Director to organize training drills and skill refreshers.

Swim Instruction & Program Support:

• Prepare for and teach learn-to-swim programming as needed.
• Continually evaluate participant progress and keep accurate records of skill levels in accordance with program guidelines.
• Collaborate with swim instructors, swim teams, and other aquatic staff to maintain an organized and efficient work environment.

Work Environment:

• Work will take place in a warm, humid environment.
• May be required to sit, stand, stoop, or kneel for extended periods of time.
• May be in water ranging from 80-90 degrees for an extended period of time.
• May be exposed to pool and cleaning chemicals.
• Must be mentally alert to dangerous situations in order to assure the safety of all swimmers.
• Must be physically and mentally able to respond to emergencies and administer CPR, Oxygen and First Aid effectively.
• Physical mobility to properly use safety equipment to rescue a 200 pound person.
• Must be able to see, hear, and communicate clearly and be able to hear noises and distress signals in the aquatics environment.
• Able to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic to complete daily chemical logs.
• Swim with proficiency and endurance for possible rescues.
• Must be able to communicate clearly with members and staff.

Necessary Skills and Qualifications:

• Current American Red Cross Lifeguard certification (YMCA provided).
• Proficient in swimming and safety skills.
• Ability to maintain certification-level physical and mental readiness.
• Demonstrated lifeguard skills in accordance with YMCA standards.

Preferred Skills and Qualifications:

• Possession of Spanish language both written and spoken.

CHILD ABUSE PREVENTION AND REQUIRED TRAININGS & CERTIFICATIONS

The Bloomington-Normal YMCA adheres to the strictest regulations pertaining to Child Abuse Prevention and requires all staff and volunteers to complete Child Abuse Prevention Training at time of hire and on an annual basis. Other required trainings and certifications, provided by the YMCA during on-boarding or within the first 60 days of employment, include: Illinois Mandated Reporter Certification, Illinois Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Training, CPR/AED/First Aid certification, and OSHA training including Bloodborne Pathogens.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER The Bloomington-Normal YMCA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

For a full listing of employee benefits, please visit: www.bnymca.org/workatthey